My Family. What a view! Photo taken by Michelle Eve

Hiking in the Yukon is not just a summer activity. Many trails throughout the territory can be hiked year-round (with the proper knowledge, equipment and ability) and Spirit Canyon is one of them. Located less than 60 km from Downtown Whitehorse -not only is it easy to get to, it’s also a hike the whole family can do.

The Hike

Whatever time of year it is, this hike is worth it! This quick 4km hike takes about an hour and a half roundtrip with an elevation gain of only 162 m. The trail is located on the traditional territories of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and Kwanlin Dun First Nation. The canyon can be seen from the Alaska Highway and offers stunning views of the Ibex and Takhini River valleys from the trail. The canyon is home to nesting ravens, so sit back and enjoy watching the comings and goings of the ravens from the upper canyon viewpoint. As you hike the trail, keep your eyes out for the wild horses that frequent the area and the local elk. At the start of the hike, there are some large boulders to marvel, as you walk by. This is a great trail to begin your hiking career or to complete as a family. Although this trail is on the easier side, the views make this trail worth it for all skill levels to hike. It is possible to follow a small trail to the lower canyon, giving you more places to explore and is a favourite for rock climbers. Not many trails in the Yukon have actual maps at the trailhead, so be prepared. This trail is to be followed in and out the same way.

Summer Hiking

During the summer (or anytime there is no snow), the thin-single-file trail is easy to see and follow. There are a few small boulders to step over, but otherwise, the trail is mostly flat with a gradual incline that offers more stunning views as you hike along. Penny, our short-legged-15-year-old Chihuahua mix and Amy, our three-legged Malinois mix were able to hike this trail with no issues (hiked on May 17, 2020). As with any time you are in nature, always be bear aware and carry your bear spray and any other supplies you may need. Be sure to carry out your garbage. Spirit Canyon is a very popular trail, so chances are you will not be alone on it if you do require assistance, but do not rely on it. There’s a cleared patch just off Kluane Wagon Road to park on that’s marked by one trail marker- a piece of reflective tape hanging from a tree.

Winter Hiking

Our bubble hiked Spirit Canyon on March 20, 2021, with the sun shining and the temperature hovering just below freezing. We were spoiled by the gorgeous weather! The trail was already packed down for us, so super easy to see and follow. One word of advice: don’t step off the path! With record snowfalls in the Yukon this winter, when you step off the path the snow was way above my knee. On some of the steeper sections, it was a bit tricky to walk, but a lot of fun to slide down on the way back. Amy managed the trail and even helped pull me up some sections when it was a bit slippery. Penny has since passed on, but she too would have been able to complete this hike with little struggle. With little to no avalanche risk in the winter and its proximity to the city, it’s an easy activity to get you outside during our long winters. During the winter, the parking lot was still accessible for us, but I strongly suggest 4 x 4 or AWD.

Get out there!

After hiking the same trail, but in different seasons, I almost feel it was easier to hike in the winter! It certainly was way more fun to slide down sections on our butts! Year-round, Spirit Canyon hands out different views as our landscape changes with the seasons. Breathe in the fresh Yukon air. It’s hard to believe that you can hike only a few kilometers and enjoy such a beautiful place, but this is the case with most trails within the Territory. Get your hike on when you come to the Yukon- regardless of the season.

Sources:

Yukon Hiking – An amazing online guide and published coffee table book (complete with stunning photos and a description of each trail) with some of our finest hikes in the Territory